Recent News

Dr. Yolanda Li ’11 virtually visits Hackley’s IRP Students

The Independent Research program had the pleasure of hosting Dr. Yolanda Li (’11), on Monday, November 16th, where she talked about “Science Beyond the Benchtop.”

Parli Debate Co-Captain Lily Napach wins the Gavel!

On Saturday, November 14th, three teams of Hackley Parliamentary debaters competed in the second regular season HSPDP (High School Public Debate Program) online tournament, including schools from New York, New Jersey, and California.

Cyndy Jean Appointed as Assistant Head of School for Community and Inclusion

Cyndy Jean, Director of the Middle School, will become Assistant Head of School for Community and Inclusion, effective July 1, 2021.

Hackley Upper School Public Forum Debate Team Wins!

From November 6 to 8, 2020, 4 Hackley teams competed in the AppleValley Minneapple Debate Tournament against 170 of the top Public Forum Debate teams in the country. Hackley Senior Ben Kirsch and Junior Zach Yusaf went 4-2 in Preliminary Rounds but then went on a run winning triples, doubles, octafinals, quarterfinals, semifinals, and then won the finals to become Tournament Champions.

First 2020-21 Tournament for Middle School Debaters

On Saturday, November 7th, 25 Middle School debaters competed in our first tournament of the season using the video platform on NSDA Campus.

Civil Discourse is Rooted in Hackley's Mission

In this month’s blog post on Hackley Perspectives, Andy King, Director of the Upper School, explores the topic of civil discourse in education, and reflects on a statement from a very wise Hackley debate student—"elections set the tone for national discourse."

Hackley Debate Teams love October!

October has been a busy month for Hackley debaters. The debate teams competed at Bronx Science, Byram Hills, and the Connecticut Debate Association Tournaments.

Uriel Garcia ’17 virtually visits Hackley’s IRP Students

The Independent Research program was excited to host Uriel Garcia ’17 in our Guest Speaker Series. The students were fascinated by all of the organic chemistry projects Uriel worked on, such as synthesizing an organic compound that can irreversibly block pain receptors, and how this love of Chemistry stemmed from his Organic Chemistry class at Hackley.

Students Take the Lead in Election Day Discussions!

With Election Day approaching, students in all three divisions have been asking questions and discussing the 2020 election cycle.

Jonathan Packer ’11 virtually visits Hackley’s Independent Research Students

The Independent Research Program kicked off our 2020-2021 guest lecture series with the valedictorian the Jonathan Packer ‘11, PhD.

Upper School Debate Team Competes in the Yale Invitational

On Saturday, October 3rd, 12 Hackley Upper School debaters competed in the Yale Invitational, one of the biggest debate tournaments of the season. While moving to an online format, the Yale tournament involves over 2500 students from around the country and almost 1000 virtual debate rooms.

News from the Classics Department

(By Dr. Pierce, Classics Department Chair, MS DEI Coordinator) This article is long overdue, but fortunately we were able to celebrate our scholars at an online ceremony in the spring. At that time, we also bid farewell to the wonderful Claudia DeSantis who retired after 5 years on the Hilltop. Her 6th grade class spearheaded an initiative to make a movie of memories and fun in her honor, and we watched it all together during the party.

She was so touched, and I’m sure she has watched the video over and over again.

Upper School Debate Team Competes in National Tournament

The Hackley Upper School Public Forum team participated in the National Speech and Debate Season Opener tournament held virtually by the University of Kentucky on Saturday, September 12, 2020.

The Character of Joy

(Hackley Review - Summer 2020 | Story by Suzy Akin) A conversation with Ingrid Fetell Lee, Class of 1997, on the “value of a life marked by friendship, balance, and joy.”

Ingrid Fetell Lee can teach us a great deal about joy and why it matters.

First Grade Sings Fifty Nifty United States!

One of the BIG experiences in first grade is learning the 50 Nifty song by Ray Charles. This song is sung at the end of the First Grade performance called Flag Stanley Across the United States.

Digging Deep for Knowledge and Discovery

Upper School History teacher Christopher Loomis writes about the great opportunities for discovery that were born out of this year's Independent Research in History and English project. From War of the Roses to Harry Potter, 17 juniors and seniors participated in this new academic opportunity.

A Better New Normal

As we approach the end of the 2019-2020 school year, we recognize the unrest happening around the country beyond the challenges of COVID-19. Inspired by Community Council President Taylor Robin, Head of School Michael Wirtz reflects on the current climate and his hopes for a better "new normal" in this Hackley Perspectives piece.

Celebrating our Senior Athletes

Hackley Varsity Coaches pay tribute to the graduating senior athletes who have done so much to lead and inspire teammates through their Hackley career.

Hackley Board Announces Leadership Transition

John Canoni, Hackley Class of 1986, has announced his decision to resign his role as President of the Hackley Board of Trustees, effective June 30, 2020 after five years serving in this role. He will continue to serve Hackley School as a member of the Board. Trustee H. Rodgin Cohen will succeed John Canoni as the sixteenth President of the Hackley Board of Trustees, effective July 1, 2020.

Honoring Our Musicians

As we conclude the 2019-2020 school year, Hackley's Middle and Upper School Music faculty have created video tributes in appreciation of our eighth grade students and graduating seniors -- a warm and celebratory send off into summer in appreciation for all their excellent work, with our congratulations as they move on to the next adventure!

Watch the Upper School video.

Watch the Middle School video.

George Yancopoulos Visits Hackley IRP

George Yancopoulos MD, PhD, (P ’12, ’14, ’16, ’18) Co-founder, President and Chief Scientific Officer of Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, did an inspiring Zoom call with Dr. Ying’s Independent Research Program (IRP) students regarding Regeneron’s work on COVID-19 treatments.